Vladislav Emchenko: "We ask our fans, our family, to keep believing in us"

Blue-White-Sky Blues guard Vladislav Emchenko speaks about the upcoming game against MBA-MAI. The match with the Moscow team will take place on the court of the CSC Arena tomorrow, November 12. The game will start at 19:30 St. Petersburg time. Tickets are available on the club’s official website.

— Vladislav, how did the preparation for the game against MBA-MAI go?

— On Monday, the training session was focused on analyzing our previous game in Krasnodar. We watched the video, went through the analysis, discussed the details, and worked on our mistakes. We also had recovery sessions. Now all our thoughts are about the next game. On Tuesday, we started preparing directly for the match against MBA, paying attention to the strong sides of the Moscow team.

— The losing streak has reached three games. Does that affect you psychologically?

— Of course, every athlete, every basketball player, always wants to win — and I’m no exception. But this is sports, and defeats are part of the process. As I always say, you either win or you learn something. We’re going through a tough period right now. There have been a number of injuries, and it’s mentally difficult because the start of the season hasn’t been what we wanted it to be. But no matter what, as a team we continue to believe in what we’re doing. We’re not giving up, not losing heart. We’re asking our fans, our family, to keep believing in us. At the beginning of the season, I said there would be easy moments and tough ones. We always have to stay united, as one family. The victories will come. On Wednesday, we’ll have a great chance to end the losing streak with a home win.

— Are you surprised by MBA-MAI’s performance this season?

— Not at all. It’s not the first time they’ve had a strong, energetic start and scored impressive wins. I can’t even remember a single easy game against MBA. It’s always a battle with them. That team is made up of Russian players hungry for victory. They have experienced veterans who literally fight for every ball. Their coaching staff knows what they’re doing, so when you play them, you have to earn your victory on the court. Even if on paper you’re the stronger team, you still have to prove it during the game — that’s the only way.

— What do you consider to be the opponent’s strongest side?

— I’ll put it this way: where there are Russians, there’s strength! MBA’s strengths are teamwork and their willingness to fight for one another. I wouldn’t single out any specific leaders, because in MBA’s team-oriented style, different players step up in different games.

— What would you like to say to the fans who are eager for victories and getting ready to cheer you on?

— I want to invite everyone to the game. I understand it’s a weekday evening, but we’ll be waiting for you and we’re grateful to everyone who comes or supports us from home. We’ll do everything we can to earn this win and make you happy, dear fans. See you at the game on Wednesday!